Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., said that he is ready "to face the consequences" of his cocaine possession charge, and some of them might be political.

Democrats concede his is a Safe Republican seat. So if his legal problems become fodder in his bid for a second term, it will likely be litigated in the primary.

One Sunshine State-based Republican consultant suggested that such a charge would not play well with the 19th District's base of wealthy and retired voters.

Another GOP consultant, Mark Zubaly, agreed with that conclusion, noting the history of the seat. Radel came to Congress in an open-seat race to replace former Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., who unsuccessfully ran for Senate last year.

"Basically, this was a very tough primary. There were some hurt feelings," Zubaly said. "So all those folks, [along with] Congressman Mack and including a horde of talented lawmakers have to be giving it a look."

Zubaly worked with one of the candidates Radel defeated in that primary, state Rep. Paige Kreegel. Zubaly added that term limits fuel ambition in the state house.